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Knotts Hill

Hill, Mountain in Yorkshire

England

Knotts Hill

Estate track north of Ravock From the end of the public road at West Stoney Keld, the estate track heads west at the base of the gentle northern slopes of Ravock, heading up to North Moor before taking a sharp left turn to head to the A66 opposite Old Spital. Here it is heading up Sled Dale (occupied by Deepdale Beck which will indeed soon flow into Deepdale, but here the valley is too shallow to use that name, apparently). In about a kilometre it will cross the main route of the Pennine Way (used by those who have not chosen the Bowes Loop alternative to get nearer some overnight accommodation, as I did when walking it in 1974). Although very near my home, this is the first time I've done this section of track without skis as it often makes an excellent loipe, following compressed snow in the Land Rover tracks before heading higher onto the moors.
Estate track north of Ravock Credit: Andy Waddington

Knotts Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Yorkshire, England. Situated in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park, it is a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

With its summit reaching an elevation of approximately 457 meters (1,499 feet) above sea level, Knotts Hill offers a moderate challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. Its distinct conical shape and rugged terrain make it a favorite among climbers and hillwalkers, providing an exhilarating experience for those who venture to the top.

The hill is characterized by its diverse vegetation, including heather and grasses, which create a vibrant tapestry of colors throughout the year. Knotts Hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, providing a habitat for numerous bird species, small mammals, and insects.

From the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views that stretch for miles in every direction. On clear days, the vista encompasses rolling hills, verdant valleys, and picturesque villages. The surrounding landscape is dotted with dry stone walls, adding to the charm and character of the area.

Access to Knotts Hill is relatively straightforward, with several footpaths and trails leading to the top. These routes vary in difficulty, catering to both experienced hikers and casual walkers. The hill's location within the Yorkshire Dales National Park ensures that visitors can enjoy a tranquil and unspoiled natural environment.

Overall, Knotts Hill offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and stunning vistas, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Yorkshire Dales.

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Knotts Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.532479/-2.083599 or Grid Reference NY9415. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Estate track north of Ravock From the end of the public road at West Stoney Keld, the estate track heads west at the base of the gentle northern slopes of Ravock, heading up to North Moor before taking a sharp left turn to head to the A66 opposite Old Spital. Here it is heading up Sled Dale (occupied by Deepdale Beck which will indeed soon flow into Deepdale, but here the valley is too shallow to use that name, apparently). In about a kilometre it will cross the main route of the Pennine Way (used by those who have not chosen the Bowes Loop alternative to get nearer some overnight accommodation, as I did when walking it in 1974). Although very near my home, this is the first time I've done this section of track without skis as it often makes an excellent loipe, following compressed snow in the Land Rover tracks before heading higher onto the moors.
Estate track north of Ravock
From the end of the public road at West Stoney Keld, the estate track heads west at the base of the gentle northern slopes of Ravock, heading up to North Moor before taking a sharp left turn to head to the A66 opposite Old Spital. Here it is heading up Sled Dale (occupied by Deepdale Beck which will indeed soon flow into Deepdale, but here the valley is too shallow to use that name, apparently). In about a kilometre it will cross the main route of the Pennine Way (used by those who have not chosen the Bowes Loop alternative to get nearer some overnight accommodation, as I did when walking it in 1974). Although very near my home, this is the first time I've done this section of track without skis as it often makes an excellent loipe, following compressed snow in the Land Rover tracks before heading higher onto the moors.
Sheepfold in Sled Dale The very large scale map calls this structure a livestock pen, whilst the 1:25000 map prefers Sheepfold (as do I). The moor is nowadays managed for grouse, and there are certainly no sheep up here in the winter months, but a few are to be found dotted around in the summer. The sunlit moorland beyond Deepdale Beck is the Great Allotment, but the shallow valley is not Deepdale - that lies lower down the course of the stream. Up here it is called Sled Dale - probably appropriate as most times I've been here before, I've been on skis rather than a sled, but certainly something to slide along the snow has been most useful !
Sheepfold in Sled Dale
The very large scale map calls this structure a livestock pen, whilst the 1:25000 map prefers Sheepfold (as do I). The moor is nowadays managed for grouse, and there are certainly no sheep up here in the winter months, but a few are to be found dotted around in the summer. The sunlit moorland beyond Deepdale Beck is the Great Allotment, but the shallow valley is not Deepdale - that lies lower down the course of the stream. Up here it is called Sled Dale - probably appropriate as most times I've been here before, I've been on skis rather than a sled, but certainly something to slide along the snow has been most useful !
Estate track on North Dodd The estate track leaves the A66 opposite Old Spital, heads north onto North Moor and then turns sharply east to head down Sled Dale to West Stoney Keld. At this point, on the northern side of North Dodd, it is following the left bank of Boldron Strand, a small stream which doesn't flow anywhere near Boldron (a small village some ten kilometres to the east). It is, in fact, a right bank tributary to Deepdale Beck, flowing, at the confluence, in Sled Dale, only forming Deepdale somewhat further to the east as it cuts down. The rather prominent knoll in this view is Green How, not living up to its name at this late season when all the sedges have yellowed.
Estate track on North Dodd
The estate track leaves the A66 opposite Old Spital, heads north onto North Moor and then turns sharply east to head down Sled Dale to West Stoney Keld. At this point, on the northern side of North Dodd, it is following the left bank of Boldron Strand, a small stream which doesn't flow anywhere near Boldron (a small village some ten kilometres to the east). It is, in fact, a right bank tributary to Deepdale Beck, flowing, at the confluence, in Sled Dale, only forming Deepdale somewhat further to the east as it cuts down. The rather prominent knoll in this view is Green How, not living up to its name at this late season when all the sedges have yellowed.
Shooting position on North Dodd I hesitate to call this a grouse butt - it offers nothing in the way of concealment and no more shelter than perhaps an opportunity to avoid sinking into the peat. This one is the last of a line of ten, a longer line than most - perhaps the clients are expected to periodically huddle together for warmth like so many penguins? I'd want a refund! The estate track, here at about 385m above sea level, runs from West Stoney Keld to a point on the A66 opposite Old Spital, the section most frequently blocked by snow (often for days at a time, as in the recent storm Arwen). Grouse shooting potentially goes on until December 10th, so this is not a place for those used to the more luxurious stone-built butts lower down.
Shooting position on North Dodd
I hesitate to call this a grouse butt - it offers nothing in the way of concealment and no more shelter than perhaps an opportunity to avoid sinking into the peat. This one is the last of a line of ten, a longer line than most - perhaps the clients are expected to periodically huddle together for warmth like so many penguins? I'd want a refund! The estate track, here at about 385m above sea level, runs from West Stoney Keld to a point on the A66 opposite Old Spital, the section most frequently blocked by snow (often for days at a time, as in the recent storm Arwen). Grouse shooting potentially goes on until December 10th, so this is not a place for those used to the more luxurious stone-built butts lower down.
Sheepfold in Sled Dale Sled Dale seems very well supplied with sheepfolds, many in better condition than this one next to the estate track, and low winter light picks them out in the rather gently rolling landscape, as they are often placed on firmer, and therefore slightly raised, ground above the mostly peaty, boggy terrain. Beyond Deepdale Beck (which retains its name well upstream of Deepdale from which it derives its name) the ground climbs again to a long ridge, Race Yate Rigg, which forms the watershed with Baldersdale to the north.
Sheepfold in Sled Dale
Sled Dale seems very well supplied with sheepfolds, many in better condition than this one next to the estate track, and low winter light picks them out in the rather gently rolling landscape, as they are often placed on firmer, and therefore slightly raised, ground above the mostly peaty, boggy terrain. Beyond Deepdale Beck (which retains its name well upstream of Deepdale from which it derives its name) the ground climbs again to a long ridge, Race Yate Rigg, which forms the watershed with Baldersdale to the north.
Rock edge at West Hare Crag West Hare Crag is one of a number of low rock outcrops in this vicinity. The trig point is known to the OS as Brown Rigg. Brown Rigg is the name of the moorland ridge which is followed by the distant wall.
Rock edge at West Hare Crag
West Hare Crag is one of a number of low rock outcrops in this vicinity. The trig point is known to the OS as Brown Rigg. Brown Rigg is the name of the moorland ridge which is followed by the distant wall.
Bridleway passing through rushes The walker ahead in the image is on the short grass of a bridleway heading along or towards Ladyfold Rigg. In this area the word Rigg appears a number of times on maps and applies to ridges separated by shallow valleys running more or less parallel to one another.
Bridleway passing through rushes
The walker ahead in the image is on the short grass of a bridleway heading along or towards Ladyfold Rigg. In this area the word Rigg appears a number of times on maps and applies to ridges separated by shallow valleys running more or less parallel to one another.
The Pennine Way near Dryrigg Moss
The Pennine Way near Dryrigg Moss
The Pennine Way near Ravock Castle
The Pennine Way near Ravock Castle
The Pennine Way crossing Duckett Sike
The Pennine Way crossing Duckett Sike
The Pennine Way crossing Deepdale Beck
The Pennine Way crossing Deepdale Beck
The Pennine Way near Knotts Hill
The Pennine Way near Knotts Hill
The Pennine Way near Race Yate
The Pennine Way near Race Yate
The Pennine Way near Race Yate
The Pennine Way near Race Yate
The Pennine Way near Peatbrig Hill
The Pennine Way near Peatbrig Hill
Tussocky grass near to West Hare Crag Tussocks on the grassy moorland between Catty Crag Quarry and the minor summit at West Hare Crag. The distant view is north of west where Shacklesborough is the small plinth at the left side of the image. Occupying the horizon centrally and to the right are Little Crag and Mickle Fell. The Burners Hills are lesser features in the middle distance.
Tussocky grass near to West Hare Crag
Tussocks on the grassy moorland between Catty Crag Quarry and the minor summit at West Hare Crag. The distant view is north of west where Shacklesborough is the small plinth at the left side of the image. Occupying the horizon centrally and to the right are Little Crag and Mickle Fell. The Burners Hills are lesser features in the middle distance.
Outcrops on Bowes Moor Outcropping features noticed from the Pennine Way about half a mile north of the A66
Outcrops on Bowes Moor
Outcropping features noticed from the Pennine Way about half a mile north of the A66
Ravock Castle A pile of stones beside the Pennine Way on Bowes Moor, which warrants a depiction on OS Maps. Wainwright notes that this feature is a pathetic ruin with an ambitious name - and at best was once a small stone hut.
Ravock Castle
A pile of stones beside the Pennine Way on Bowes Moor, which warrants a depiction on OS Maps. Wainwright notes that this feature is a pathetic ruin with an ambitious name - and at best was once a small stone hut.
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Knotts Hill is located at Grid Ref: NY9415 (Lat: 54.532479, Lng: -2.083599)

Division: North Riding

Unitary Authority: County Durham

Police Authority: Durham

What 3 Words

///exclaim.speaker.birthdays. Near Bowes, Co. Durham

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.532479,-2.083599
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5308661/-2.0775908
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5315525/-2.0761746
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5283284/-2.0822233
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 54.5307027/-2.0888548
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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